Connecting copper pipes: instructions and comparison of various installation technologies. Copper pipe fittings Copper pipe connection

Pipe products made of copper, as well as fittings for connecting copper pipes, allow you to create reliable and durable communications that differ in a number of unique properties. The advantages and quality characteristics that distinguish such pipelines largely explain their rather high cost.

Communications from copper pipes and fittings

High-quality copper pipes and fittings, the technical and operational characteristics of which comply with the international standards ISO 9002, BS2 and DIN, are now produced by both foreign and domestic companies. Such pipes, as well as connecting elements for them, successfully withstand the high pressure of the media transported through them, high and low temperatures, mechanical impacts to which they may be subjected during operation, transportation and storage.

Unlike polymer pipes popular in our time, copper pipe products do not deteriorate from exposure to sunlight, they are not afraid of corrosion, which is a real scourge for products made from ferrous metals. In terms of service life, which copper pipes and fittings differ in, no similar product made from another material can be compared with them. It is noteworthy that copper products are practically eternal, the service life of communications from them is at least 100 years.

Tubular products, as well as fittings made of copper, are used for arranging engineering networks for various purposes:

heating systems;
air conditioning;
cold and hot water supply;
gas communications.

Those consumers who decide to use copper pipe products and copper fittings mainly use them to equip reliable and durable water networks. Fittings made from copper are more compact and look much cleaner than those made from ferrous metals. This is explained by the fact that during the design and manufacture copper fittings there is no need to make their walls thicker, given their further corrosion, since they are simply not subject to it.

There are several reasons explaining the high popularity of pipes and fittings for them made of copper:

copper, as you know, has antiseptic properties, therefore, pathogens do not develop in water pipes made from this metal, and the quality of the water transported through them even improves;
installation of pipelines for which pipes and fittings made of copper are used is much easier than communications from black pipes;
due to the high ductility of copper, pipes made of this metal, when water freezes in them, do not burst, but simply deform; to destroy a copper pipe, it is necessary to apply an internal pressure of 200 atm to it, and such pressures simply do not exist in household communications.

Elements for copper pipe connections

Copper fittings, with which copper pipes are connected, are presented on modern market in a wide variety of sizes and design. Most known types such connecting elements are:

threaded fittings for copper pipes;
self-locking connecting elements;
compression or crimp type fittings;
so-called press fittings;
connection fittings capillary type.

Of all the listed types of connecting elements, press fittings for copper pipes are the least commonly used in our time, which is explained by the following reasons: their installation requires the use of complex and expensive equipment: special presses. The design of press fittings was originally developed in order to connect plastic and metal with their help. plastic pipes, so their use for the installation of copper products is not always advisable.

In order for the pipeline, in the arrangement of which copper parts are used, to serve as long as possible and be highly reliable, it is advisable to use elements of homogeneous materials during its installation. Connecting copper pipes with fittings that are made from other raw materials should be done only in rare exceptions.

If it is not possible to avoid the use of fittings made of dissimilar materials during the installation of pipelines, then such a process must be carried out, adhering to the following simple rules:

copper pipes in communications, for the creation of which elements from different materials are used, are always installed after ferrous metal products: in the direction of the liquid;
copper parts of pipelines cannot be connected to galvanized fittings and, failure to comply with this requirement will cause electrochemical reactions to operate in such systems, which will significantly accelerate the corrosion process of steel parts;
copper elements of pipe structures can be connected to parts made of acid-resistant steels, but if possible, it is better to replace such parts with fittings made of polyvinyl chloride.

Threaded fittings

Copper fittings belonging to the category of threaded group connectors are recommended to be used if the created engineering communications is planned to be periodically disassembled in order to perform it Maintenance. To carry out such technological operations as disassembly and assembly of the pipeline, allows the presence of external and internal thread on its structural elements.

Fittings connected to copper pipes with threads are significantly inferior to capillary and compression products in terms of their reliability. For this reason, such connecting elements must be checked regularly and, if necessary, replaced with new ones. In addition, it is best to use such fittings in those places in the pipeline that are easily accessible.

There are several most common types of threaded fittings for connecting copper pipes, which include:

couplings are fittings with which you can connect pipes made of different materials, as well as create straight sections of pipelines formed from segments of the same or different diameters;
corners - these include fittings with which you can change the direction of movement of the pipeline by 45 or 90 degrees;
fittings - fittings that allow you to divert the transported medium from the main pipeline;
crosses, tees, which are also called manifolds - these are fittings with which they create branches from the main pipeline, while maintaining its main direction;
fittings used to close the end of a copper pipeline; as they can be used special plugs or caps.

When installing a new copper pipeline, specialists most often use crimp-type connecting elements, and when repairing or upgrading such communications, threaded-type fittings are used.

Connectors of compression and self-locking type

Fittings for connecting copper pipes, belonging to the category of compression or self-locking, are also called collet or crimp. Such connectors are a good alternative to fittings that are connected to copper parts by soldering. A collet type fitting is an element whose design consists of sealing rings and gaskets, as well as a crimp ring, which, when tightened, contributes to the tightness of the created connection. The material for the manufacture of compression or collet fittings can be not only copper, but also brass or metal-plastic.

Crimp type collet connectors are the best option for heating and water supply systems, for the installation of which copper pipes of different diameters or tubular products made of various materials. AT recent times self-locking fittings are becoming increasingly popular, which are distinguished by more preferable performance characteristics.

Self-locking fittings, in terms of the speed of making the connection and in terms of its reliability, can completely replace soldering. The design of such fittings includes a whole set of rings, one of which is equipped with special teeth. The principle of operation of such connecting elements is based on the fact that when exposed to a ring with teeth using a special mounting key, it is fixed in an adjacent element, thereby creating a reliable and durable connection of copper pipe sections. Unlike soldering, dismantling a connection obtained with such a fitting is as simple as obtaining it, using the same installation key.

It should be borne in mind that compression type fittings are always made of copper, while they can be used to connect elements made of ferrous metal and polymer materials.

Capillary method of connecting copper pipes

Which is rightfully considered the most reliable and durable method of connecting copper parts, is performed based on the principles of capillary technology. In accordance with this effect, which is based on the laws of physics, the liquid can rise through the capillary, overcoming the force of gravity, if between the bottom and top point there is a certain distance to lift it.

This physical effect allows you to solder copper pipes in such a way that the molten gas burner solder was evenly distributed over the entire area of the joint being created. In order to effectively perform such soldering, pipes can be placed in any spatial position, the main thing is that the molten solder is supplied from the bottom of the joint being formed.

In more detail, the process of performing capillary soldering is as follows:

using a gas burner, the place of the future connection is thoroughly heated;
molten solder is supplied into the gap between the ends of the pipes to be connected or between the pipe and the fitting used, which completely fills it due to the capillary effect;
the resulting compound is allowed to cool completely;
after the complete cooling of the formed joint, its elements are carefully cleaned using a special cleaning compound.

With the help of soldering, based on the capillary effect, pipeline elements are connected not only from copper, but also from ferrous metals. In the event that a steel fitting is used as a connecting element for copper pipes, then a layer of a special flux is applied to the place of the future connection. As a solder, when performing soldering using capillary technology, a very current wire is used, which can be made of tin, copper, and in some cases even silver.

The connection of elements of copper pipelines using collet-type fittings is performed without pre-training connection points. But in order to perform high-quality soldering of such pipes and fittings, it is necessary not only to thoroughly clean the place of the future connection from dirt and dust, but also to degrease it.

Copper pipe rolling process

When arranging heating and plumbing systems, the parts of which are made of copper, such technological operations as flaring or disassembly of copper pipes. With this operation, for which you can use various tool, change geometric parameters ends of connected pipes without change performance characteristics products.

The simplest tool with which to perform this operation is a rod with a conical tip, which is inserted into the end of a copper pipe and turned in it until it acquires the desired geometric shape. This device, although quite simple to use, does not allow for high-quality flaring, providing uniform pressure on the walls.

Pipe type fittings are used to connect pipes of a wide variety of different diameters and sizes. Fitting certain type necessary for bending the pipeline, for example, T-shaped and Y-shaped fittings, as well as bends.

Main types of fittings

Straight fittings have components such as plugs, adapters, and couplings. Examples of fittings are shown in the figure below. How each fitting is made depends on the material used to make it.

Examples of steel, copper and plastic fittings

Copper fittings, both threaded and unthreaded:
T-piece.
End sleeve with 90 degree rotation.
U-shaped tee.
Couplings.
Adapter.
Copper and plastic fittings:
Fitting with internal thread.
Fitting rotated 90 degrees.
T-piece.
U-shaped tee.
Adapter.
Coupling.
Steel fittings:
Internal plug.
Threaded options.
Cap with plug.
Sgon.
Fitting option.

Photo fittings from a variety of materials

And now a small photo gallery showing the impressive variety of all kinds of fittings that are presented on our market.

Steel chrome fittings

Copper fittings

Fittings made of plastic (PVC)

Coupling, adapter and squeegee

The coupling is necessary for combining two pipe segments with the same diameters into one line. If the pipes have different diameters, you will need adapter. Used frequently drive is a steel tube with an external thread, which is usually available in small pieces up to 30 cm long.

The drive is necessary to increase the length of the pipeline and connect the pipe sections, which can be disconnected at any time. A plug is needed to block the end of the pipe. If pipes made of different materials are combined, then specialized fittings are required to connect them, some of which are shown in the figure below.

A variety of fittings for connecting pipes made of various materials

Fitting for connecting a copper pipe to a steel pipe:
Thread for screwing a metal pipe.
Copper pipe, connected by solder to another copper pipe.
Copper fitting, connects with copper pipe.
End for screwing into a nut.
Rubber gasket.
The plastic part is inserted into the nut.
Copper pipe.
Fitting connected by solder.
Fitting for connecting a plastic pipe to a copper pipe:
Steel pipe screwed into the nut.
End for screwing into a nut.
Rubber gasket.
Plastic pipe, glued into the insert in the nut.
Fittings for connecting plastic pipes to steel.
Plastic insert.
Screw.

Pipe connections of various materials

How is a steel pipe connected to a copper pipe? For this, a fitting is used, at one end of which there is a thread for fixing on a steel pipe. There is no thread on the other end, it is completely smooth, since the copper pipe will be fastened by soldering.

When installing a pipe in such a fitting, the threads should be wrapped with plastic sealing tape, after which the coupling is screwed onto the pipe. Such a sealing tape is necessary so that corrosion does not begin in the junction of two types of metal.

Steel and plastic fitting

Another example is a steel and plastic fitting. It is also made in two parts. The first part looks like a nut with a threaded segment that is screwed into a steel pipe. The other part is plastic, with gasket and nut also made of plastic.

Standard fitting consisting of steel and plastic parts

The nut is screwed onto another extension of the first part, which has external thread. Further, a special solvent is used to fasten the plastic insert with a plastic pipe.

Fitting made of plastic and copper

There is also a popular fitting made of plastic and copper, which also includes two components. The first component has two ends. One is made of copper and has a thread, but the other end is completely smooth - it is he who is attached to the copper pipe by soldering.

Plastic fitting with copper thread

The other component is a plastic nut with a gasket. The nut is screwed onto a copper thread, and its other end is glued to a plastic pipe.

Fittings for copper and plastic pipes

Soldering is used to connect copper pipes, but plastic pipes are connected with a specialized adhesive or solvent. As for cast-iron risers, bushings are usually not used to connect pipes.

Standard method for connecting fittings and cast iron pipes without the use of bushings

Cast iron pipe.
Casing made of stainless steel.
Collar.
Part made of neoprene rubber.
T-piece made of cast iron.

For sealing joints sewer pipes sleeves made of neoprene rubber are used. In this case, the sleeve itself is fixed by a casing made of stainless steel.

The following figure shows options for some pipe connections without bushings.

Standard fittings for connecting cast iron pipes without bushings

T-piece.
curved segment.
Curved segment with flange, designed for the toilet.
U-shaped tee.

To fasten the casing directly, ordinary casings are used.

Video review of fittings for polypropylene pipes

Consider the use of special fittings for plastic polypropylene pipes. Types of fittings, their purpose and characteristics.

The materials from which pipes are made

For the manufacture of sewer pipes, materials such as plastic, cast iron and copper are used. In the construction of underground collectors located outside the building, glazed ceramic pipes are usually used.

However, it is not uncommon for a particular area to only allow a specific type of pipe. You can find out from local authorities.

The ideal option for a sewer pipe is cast iron pipe. It is perfect for creating collectors, sewer risers, sunbeds and ventilation. Any cast iron pipes are of two types - internal and heavy. Standard length cast iron pipe is 1.5 meters.

Cast iron toilet pipe

Copper pipes, with a yellow label, can also be used for sewer pipelines of any type.

Worth mentioning separately ceramic pipes , coated with a special glaze. Such pipes are reliably protected from the influence of sewage waste, whether it be various alkalis or acids.

As a rule, ceramic pipes are used as the basis of an underground collector of a house, at a distance of up to 1.5 meters from the foundation. Pipes are laid to the city collector or settling tank.

It is not recommended to use ceramic pipes inside the house.

Both inside and outside the house are actively used PVC and ABS pipes. The connection of pipes made of copper and plastic is carried out in the same way as water pipes. Detailed overview each type of pipe will be presented in the following articles.

There are many methods for joining copper pipes in single system pipeline. The market provides a huge number of fittings, solders, fluxes, fasteners, allowing you to create detachable and non-detachable, serviced and unattended connections.

Work with copper pipes consists of:

sizing - if the pipe is incorrectly measured, it is impossible to cut it correctly;
cutting - made strictly perpendicular with a pipe cutter, given that it is better to make more turns than to apply force;
stripping - removing burrs after cutting and oxide film (it is better to do this with a special napkin);
connections.

Ways of connecting copper pipes:

capillary soldering;
high-temperature soldering;
various fittings.

Connection by soldering

For connecting copper products by soldering flux should be applied to the cleaned surface and the parts should be immediately connected. Heat the connection unit evenly with a gas burner (blowtorch, soldering iron) until the flux begins to change color and the solder melts. The burner fire is diverted, the solder fills the gap between the elements.

In order for the amount of solder to be optimal, experts offer a simple guideline - the length of the solder rod should be equal to the diameter of the pipe. You can cut the bar of the required length before soldering. If one of the elements is a fitting that has already been soldered at the factory, then it does not need to be added.

After filling the gap with solder, it is necessary to allow time for cooling without exposing the assembly mechanical influences. Once the solder has completely cured, remove any remaining solder and flux with a damp cloth. After the entire system is mounted, it should be flushed hot water. Flux contributes to corrosion, so its presence on the inner surface is undesirable.

Soldering copper pipes

Types of fittings for connecting copper pipes

The connection without soldering is made using fittings, which are divided into two large groups - straight (connection of elements of the same diameter) and transitional (connection of elements of different diameters). Diameters can be from 8 to 100 millimeters.

Based on the configuration, a fitting (connector) for copper pipes is called:

coupling - must be made of the same material as the pipes, can be used both for elements with the same diameter and for elements with different diameters, used when there is no need to change direction;
square - designed to change the direction of the system by 30, 45 or 90 degrees;
tee - used to connect three ends located relative to each other at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees;
cross - joins together four pipes located perpendicular to each other on the same plane;
adapter ("American", futorka, sgon, nipple) - for combining pipes from different material using various methods;
plug - a cap, a plug for sealing the end of the tube;
fitting - for connecting a pipe and a flexible hose.

Based on the method, the connection of copper pipes with fittings can be:

using a soldering fitting, under the thread of which there is tin. A flux-treated pipe is inserted into it, the assembly is heated until the solder becomes liquid and fills the gap;
using threaded (equipped with threads);
crimp (compression), allowing you to connect elements of different diameters. The pipe is fixed with a fitting using an O-shaped seal and a detachable or one-piece ring. Conventional tools are suitable for installation;
press - fitting, consisting of a body and a sleeve and mounted using press - tongs;
self-locking fitting, which is based on internal rings, one of which is equipped with teeth. When pressed with a special key, the teeth enter another ring, forming a secure connection. Just as easy as putting on, taking off.

Features of copper products: what to consider

When installing a copper pipeline, it is important to know not only how to connect copper pipes, but also to fulfill several additional conditions:

to extend the life of the system, only copper and its alloys should be used;
if it is necessary to use products from other materials, then it should be taken into account that copper cannot be combined with galvanized steel, as this leads to corrosion in steel elements;
if the use of steel products cannot be avoided in any way, then they should be mounted in front of copper elements;
safe connection of copper and acid-resistant steel.

Fasteners

For final installation any pipeline requires fixings for copper pipes

clamps and brackets.

For domestic pipelines are used:

metal C-shaped (fastening with one bolt) and O-shaped (fastening with two bolts) clamps made of steel and equipped with a rubber coating that neutralizes mechanical and acoustic vibrations;
plastic clamps (movable and stationary) - for internal systems, equipped with dowel and screw;
brackets - for hanging or arranging system elements.

It is obvious that for each system it is necessary to select its own methods of installation and fastening. Only when choosing quality materials and correct installation the pipeline will be reliable and durable.

Production of copper pipes

Copper components for the installation of pipelines are not inferior to analogues from other materials, and even outperform in terms of durability and resistance to temperatures. However, the reliability and functionality of copper communications depends entirely on the quality of the connection nodes.

Fittings and pipes made of high-quality copper are not inferior in technical qualities to components for pipelines made of other popular materials. Unlike iron-based alloys, copper does not rust at all. In addition, she is not afraid of ultraviolet, extremely low and high temperatures, while for polymer compounds they are equally detrimental sunlight, frost and intense heat. Copper pipes weigh little, are easy to transport, store and install.

All these positive traits allow copper pipe products to remain popular as components for the installation of systems:

hot and cold water supply,
air conditioning,
gas distribution,
heating.

Features of connecting elements for copper pipes

Since copper components are used in areas where even the slightest leaks are unacceptable, copper pipeline assemblies are subject to high requirements. When connecting pipes, it is important to ensure not only maximum reliability and tightness, but also to prevent chemical processes, which will negatively affect the composition of the working environment and the condition of the pipeline.

For the installation of the pipeline, you can use shaped elements from different materials:

Note! Black steel fittings cannot be used to mate copper pipes, even if it is chrome-plated or galvanized. Copper reacts with unalloyed steel, which can result in the shaped element being destroyed.

Types of fittings

All connecting fittings are divided into several types according to their functions:

Straight - for direct connection of two pipes of the same diameter. Such fittings are called couplings, the body is usually in the form of a cylinder.
Transitional - for direct connection of two pipes of different diameters. Adapters, or gearboxes, have complex shape: two short cylinders of different sizes are connected by a truncated cone.
Angled, or rotary, - for connecting identical pipes at an angle. Such fittings are called bends or corners, the body bending angle is from 15 to 90 degrees.
Branching - to combine two or more streams or split one stream into several. Tee bodies have three branch pipes, the diameters of which may vary. Cross body housings consist of four or more nozzles connected at right angles.
Sealing - for blocking free branch pipes. These shaped elements, called plugs, are a lid or stopper.

Copper pipes are great for creating water pipes, gas pipelines and similar communications. And for their installation, various connecting elements called fittings are used.

Features of using compression fittings

The popularity of copper pipe compression fittings is due to the fact that they do not require special equipment or welding to connect them. All you need is a cutter, calibrator and a set of wrenches. Because fewer tools are involved, labor and costs are reduced.

But this design has certain disadvantages. The pipeline cannot be concreted, because the compression fittings can loosen over time, they should be tightened. Such a connection is not as reliable when compared with soldering. Therefore, they are designed for low pressure in pipes. The design itself is reusable, but the re-mounted pipeline will be much less reliable.

Compression fitting device for copper pipes

The compression fitting consists of three components: the body of the product, the compression nut and the ferrule for copper pipes. The latter is intended to increase the tightness of the connection and increase its resistance to pressure. The fitting usually has one or a pair of ferrules. Their use allows you to extend the life of the pipeline system. Such a connection can last up to 50 years.

There are compression fittings polymer, metal, copper and brass. For the installation of a copper pipeline, it is preferable to use the latter. This is due to the plasticity of brass, as well as its low cost. Although its strength is lower than steel, brass fittings are much easier to install. Sometimes they are treated with nickel to increase the resistance of the compounds to various influences.

When buying a product, you should pay attention to its weight. The fitting should not be too light, because this is evidence of its poor quality. It is best to purchase components from famous brands. In order not to come across an unreliable product, you can ask for a quality certificate.

Such precautions will allow you to get a durable connection. Experts often advise choosing brass fittings for HDPE products, because they are corrosion resistant, which will increase the strength of the system.

Varieties of compression fittings

There are five types of compression fittings for copper pipes:

Tees. They are designed to create a branch from the main highway in one direction.
Crosses. Used when a two-way branch is required.
Couplings. Allows two pipes of equal diameter to be connected.
Branches. Are intended for turn of the pipeline on 45 degrees.
Plugs. Closing elements fixed at the end of a pipe segment.

If it is necessary to connect pipes of equal diameter, straight fittings are used. If they do not match in diameter, then transition elements are used.

The specifics of the installation of compression fittings in copper pipelines

As mentioned above, for the installation of copper pipes compression fittings no special equipment needed. A person can cope with the task without any problems, having at his disposal only a few tools, and without outside help.

According to the European classification, there are two types of products with excellent markings.

Type A is designed to create elevated steel pipelines or systems from semi-solid grades of copper.

Type B is used in the installation of underground and above-ground systems, such components are suitable for thick-wall pipes made of soft and semi-hard grades of copper.

When installing fittings for a copper pipe for crimping, it is necessary to strictly adhere to certain rules to obtain a reliable and durable design.

Installing Type A Compression Fittings

When choosing this type of connecting elements, you must perform the following actions:

Select the correct part size. This is a very simple task, because all fittings are produced according to European standards in the same dimensions.
Cut the pipe and clean it. The cut is checked with a gauge. It is necessary to remove uneven edges, dirt, scratches and other defects from the surface. A compression ring is fixed on the pipe. Experts recommend moistening the junction, this is done for more reliable contact of the seal.
Insert the pipe into the fitting until it stops. First, the compression nut is tightened by hand, then with a wrench.

Evidence of successful completion of the work should be a slightly deformed pipe. This is normal and confirms the reliability of the connection made. Here's how to crimp copper pipe with a Type A fitting.

Recommendation: Connecting copper pipes with compression fittings does not require brute force. It is desirable to avoid excessive pressure during installation, as this may lead to premature failure of the structure, but will not increase the tightness of the system.

Installation of Type B Compression Fittings

The installation algorithm for crimp connections for type B copper pipes is similar to the previous one. The cut must be cleaned of dirt and obvious defects. It is worth paying attention to the condition of the threads in the fitting. To simplify the connection, it can be lubricated with machine oil. The edge of the pipe is flared, the sealing cone must be securely pressed against the inner edge.

When doing work, it is important to choose right size key. Otherwise, the tool may deform the nut head. It also shouldn't be loose. For example, if a connection with a diameter of 54 mm is intended, it is preferable to choose a key with a length of 750 mm.

Features of the installation of a copper pipeline

Since the cost of a copper pipeline is very high, it is recommended to follow a number of rules when purchasing materials:

It is most preferable to buy pipes from one material, this approach will increase the durability of the structure.
The connection of copper with unalloyed steel is extremely unreliable. Their interaction generates electrochemical processes that destroy the structure. Steel parts at the same time lose corrosion resistance, fail much faster.
If a heterogeneous connection is planned, it is necessary to place steel pipes in front of copper in the direction of liquid or gas transportation.
But copper pipes can be used together with their PVC elements. Such a connection will be reliable, no negative consequences will not occur.
For the installation of sewers, PVC pipes are gaining more and more popularity. This is due to their low cost relative to metal products, while their durability is almost the same, as well as strength.

Compression fittings are often used when installing a copper pipeline, since such a connection is practical and easy to implement. At the same time, it is important not to save on the quality of products, otherwise the design will quickly require repair. The more responsibly the installation of the pipeline is performed, the higher its service life will be.

Crimp fittings for copper pipes: compression fittings for crimping, connection installation, how to compress rings

Crimp fittings for copper pipes: types and features

In order to choose the right way to connect copper pipes for a long and trouble-free operation of a home plumbing, consider the options for these various connections.

Firstly, the choice of copper pipes for domestic water supply is due to their quality characteristics: environmental friendliness, bactericidal properties, low susceptibility to corrosion, ease of installation, long service life with little or no maintenance.

There are several ways to install copper pipelines, and they are determined by the conditions of its subsequent operation: the principle of the pipeline device is detachable or one-piece, serviced or unattended. If the pipeline is planned to be hidden (into the floor screed, into the wall), then strong non-separable connections are required. For them, maintenance-free connections are made by welding or soldering, pressing. Maintenance-free connections are characterized by reliability, durability, and are resistant to temperature and pressure fluctuations of the working medium.

In case of laying pipes in open access(on walls) any type of connection is suitable, but more often the choice is stopped on the fastest and lightest compression connection when copper pipe fittings are used. Such connections need periodic inspection and maintenance.

Different connections will require different tools. So, pipe crimping is carried out using press tongs or wrenches.

General information about fittings.

When making connections, special fittings for a copper pipe are used, which differ in the installation method. They are classified according to various signs: There are elements for detachable (compression fittings for copper pipes) and permanent connections (solder fittings).

They also differ in purpose:

for corner transitions and connecting pipes of different diameters, adapters (bends) are used;
for the device of branches from the central pipe - tees or crosses;
for connecting pipes of different diameters in straight sections - couplings;
for the installation of automation systems in heat supply and cold supply, push-in fittings for copper pipes are used.

The next type of classification is by material. More often, a copper, brass or bronze compression fitting for copper pipes is used, sometimes brass chrome-plated. There are also differences in the requirements for metal due to the technological purpose of the fitting used for different types pipelines (water, gas, heating, cooling).

Regardless of the fitting manufacturer, all connecting elements are made in sizes regulated by world standards, they are interchangeable. Fittings for copper pipes are easy to install and reliable.

Crimp connections for copper pipes.

There are two types of crimp connections for copper pipes - one-piece on press fittings and detachable connections copper pipes on compression (collet) fittings.

Non-separable copper pipelines mounted using press fittings. This type of installation became possible due to the plasticity of copper, it is deformed with a special tool, obtaining a strong and tight connection, which is quite comparable in quality to a soldered one. Press fittings for copper pipes allow you to achieve such a tight joint that can withstand pressures higher than the pipe itself. The connection is considered stronger than compression, but requires the use of a special tool - a press.

Outwardly, they resemble fittings for capillary soldering, but instead of solder, an o-ring made of an elastic polymer that is superior in quality to rubber is placed in the fitting belt. The technology of using press fittings includes several simple operations: pipes are cut into right size, the ends are deburred and calibrated. Then all ends are inserted into the fitting, and the joints are pressed with press tongs. The shape of the edge will depend on which profile the tool is used with.

The used copper crimp fitting is convenient because it does not require special equipment to work with it, there is no need to use an open flame. A minimum of tools is needed here: a cutter, wrenches (according to pipe sizes) and a calibrator. Although the resulting connection is considered collapsible, that is, it involves disassembly and reuse, but its reliability in this case is reduced. These connections are not designed for high pressure service.

Detachable connections of copper pipes are obtained using crimp (collet) fittings. Compression fittings for copper pipes are divided into two main types: one for connecting pipes made of hard and semi-hard materials (A), the second for connecting semi-hard and soft materials (B). The copper pipe collet creates additional pressure by pressing the pipe walls against the fitting cartridge, which ensures the tightness of the connection.

Compression fittings for copper pipe consist of a body, a compression nut and a compression copper ring, which is designed to seal the connection. Due to the fact that the copper ring is flattened when pressed, the structure becomes immune to vibration.

Crimp fittings for type A copper pipes are used for joining pipes made of hard copper, hard pipes with annealed ends, and even soft copper, but in order to avoid their deformation when tightened, a pipe cut (support sleeve) is placed inside. Preparation for the process is carried out, as in the previous connection: choose compression fittings for copper pipes required size, cut, clean the cut, check the geometry of the pipe with a mandrel-caliber and insert the pipe into the fitting. The clamping nut begins to be tightened by hand until the pipe stops turning relative to the fitting, then it is tightened with a tool until the pipe is slightly deformed and the joint is tight. If leakage is observed, then you can slightly tighten the nut. In theory, the fitting can be untwisted and reassembled, but it is better not to do this.

Compression fittings for type B copper pipes are more popular and allow the installation of thick-walled soft copper pipes. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that sealing cones are used to increase the strength of the connection (bell-shaped cohesion). When tightening the nut in such a connection, the cone fits snugly into the flared edge of the pipe and is pressed against its inner surface, and with outside further secured with a sealing ring.

This is an excellent method of joining soft pipes without the need for internal support sleeves. Compression of a copper pipe is carried out with a wrench or adjustable wrench, matched to the size of the pipe and fitting.

When installing compression fittings for copper pipes, certain rules should be followed, it is better if a specialist does this work. Follow fitting manufacturer's recommendations when tightening compression connection necessary, since an inexperienced craftsman can overtighten the nut and cut through the pipe with a compression ring. If this happens, you need to cut off the damaged edge and do the whole operation again. It should also be remembered that the surfaces to be joined must be clean, as well as the threads in the fitting. To obtain a reliable connection, it is necessary to choose the right key so as not to damage the edges of the clamping nut.

Crimp fittings for copper pipes: types and features

Connection of copper pipes with push-in and press fittings

Rice. 41. Connection of copper pipes with a press fitting

Another type of permanent connection of copper pipes is made on compression press couplings (Fig. 41), by analogy with press fittings for polymer pipes and fittings for soldering copper pipes with solder embedded in them. It is, as it were, a hybrid of two designs: a press fitting and a fitting for capillary soldering. Outwardly, a press fitting for copper pipes very much resembles a fitting for capillary soldering (Fig. 39), and the technological difference lies in the internal content of the fitting. The solder embedded in the capillary band of the fitting was replaced here with o-rings made of elastic polymers similar to rubber. The technology of connecting copper pipes on press fittings is reduced to simple operations: cut and deburr the pipes, calibrate them, insert them into the press fitting and compress the connection with press tongs (Fig. 42).

Rice. 42. Fixing the fitting with press tongs

In addition to one-piece, there are also detachable connections of copper pipes on compression (collet) fittings. There are two main types of push-in fittings: the first for hard and semi-hard connections and the second for soft and semi-hard pipes.

If we take a closer look at the first type of fittings, we will see that they almost completely repeat the compression fittings for metal-plastic pipes, with the only difference that there is no stem in the fittings for copper, which is mounted on metal-plastic pipe. Otherwise, the first type of fittings for copper pipes almost completely repeats the design of fittings for metal-plastic: the same union nuts, the same sealing O-ring, the same tightening method (Fig. 43).

Rice. 43. Connection of copper pipes with compression fittings of the first type

Preparatory operations consist in the selection of a fitting of a suitable dimension. Next, as usual, you should carefully cut the pipe, remove the burr, use a mandrel gauge to check the cut for the absence of ovality and, if necessary, restore the original geometry of the pipe. Then the pipe is inserted into the fitting until it stops. As a rule, the clamping nut is first tightened by hand. After the pipe is clamped by the compression ring to such an extent that it cannot be turned relative to the fitting by hand, the nut is turned with a wrench 1/3 or 2/3 turn in order to slightly deform the pipe and provide the required clamping force. Theoretically, such a pipe connection can be disassembled and reassembled, in practice it is better not to touch it. If the connection does not flow, then leave it alone, if it leaks, then you need to slightly tighten the nuts.

Compression fittings of the first type were invented for solid copper pipes (Fig. 43), however, they can be used to connect both soft pipes and hard pipes with annealed ends. In order to prevent the pipes from deforming when tightening the nuts, a piece of pipe is placed inside them - a support sleeve. After adding this element, the fitting almost completely repeats the design of the compression fitting for metal-plastic pipes.

Compression connections of the second type are based on the socket union of pipes through sealing cones. In these fittings, by tightening the nut, the cone is pressed against the inner surface of the flared edge of the pipe, and the top of the pipe is clamped with an o-ring. The design of the unit uses the properties of soft copper: under pressure, “grind” to the surface to which it is pressed. The connection is not new, a sufficient number of men who are versed in brake system your car or with a diesel engine power supply system. AT piping plumbing systems, the connection is slightly modified, but the principle of rallying itself remains the same, on its basis you may also meet other types of fittings.

Rice. 44. Connection of soft copper pipes with compression fittings of the second type

The node assembly technology (Fig. 44) is as simple as all the assemblies described above. After cutting the pipes, removing burrs (burrs) and irregularities, a clamping nut is put on the pipe and the end of the pipe is flared with a mandrel. Next, a pressure cone is inserted into the open part, after which the mounting assembly is assembled. Pre-tightening, as with all compression fittings, is done by hand and then tightened with a wrench, typically one turn.

For copper pipes of large diameters, a flange connection is used. The basic design includes welding of a flange with a pipe socket or brazing, much less often, a compression connection.

Connection of copper pipes with push-in and press fittings

In addition to one-piece press connections, there are also detachable connections of copper pipes on compression (collet) fittings.